Job Posting - Director of Donor Relations and Stewardship

Director of Donor Relations and Stewardship
Angola, Indiana

 

Summary

Trine University is seeking an individual to serve in the role of Director of Donor Relations & Stewardship.  The Director of Donor Relations & Stewardship is responsible for implementing an institution-wide comprehensive donor relations and stewardship program that appropriately and consistently promotes interaction with and recognition of donors at all levels. The position requires excellent collaborative skills to be applied with all advancement staff, including front¬ line fund raisers, and partners across the University. S/he must have the ability to oversee donor stewardship activities and events, and draft written materials to aid in the institution's efforts to educate, cultivate, and recognize donors. This position, an integral part of the University's advancement efforts, offers the opportunity to apply creative and critical thinking skills in a wide range of communications and stewardship projects that connect the University with its current and prospective benefactors. The position reports to the Vice President of Alumni and Development.

Essential Responsibilities

  • Follow and promote the ethical guidelines set forth in the Association of Donor Relations for Advancement (ADRP), the Association of Advancement Services Professionals (AASP), the CASE Donor Bill of Rights, and the CASE Ethics Guidelines.  Stay abreast of privacy issues as they relate to Donor Relations.
  • Manage information tracking processes regarding acknowledgement, recognition, on-going communications and continued cultivation of past and current major donors to enhance their relationship with the University and increase the likelihood of continued contributions. Develop and assess policies and procedures across the division and university that are essential for a comprehensive donor relations program.
  • Oversee a systematic and integrated donor relations and stewardship program that encompasses donor recognition events, endowed position celebrations, and building-naming dedications. Responsible for consistent, accurate, and appropriate information-sharing mechanisms for stewarding prospects and donors. Proactively support the stewardship responsibilities of the development staff by assisting them in establishing and coordinating individualized stewardship plans for donors to their colleges/units.
  • Work collaboratively with University Advancement staff to compose letters, compile appropriate invitation lists, engage featured program participants, create programs and provide program materials, prepare program scripts and participant remarks (as needed) and create and/or obtain donor awards and recognitions.
  • Recommend and facilitate on- and off-campus publicity of major gifts and donors with University Publications, with Media Relations. Advise on and facilitate the recognition of donors in both print and Web-based publications. Contribute donor and gift information for the Annual Report, oversee production of the donor roll, determine the report recipients, and facilitate the mailing.
  • Provide writing and editorial support, advisement and leadership for the University’s stewardship and donor communications efforts, such as gift agreements, gift renewal letters, special communications, and stewardship plans and letters.

 Requirements 

  • Bachelor’s degree required
  • A minimum of four (4) years of professional experience is required; higher education experience is preferred.  Candidates with fundraising, event management, and writing experience will be given strong preference.  Education/experience equivalents considered.
  • Familiarity with the Association of Donor Relations for Advancement (ADRP), the Association of Advancement Services Professionals (AASP), the CASE Donor Bill of Rights, and the CASE Ethics Guidelines
  • Well-developed customer-service orientation
  • Ability to handle multiple deadlines at one time
  • Understanding of philanthropy as it relates to higher education
  • Ability to use discretion in working with confidential and sensitive data
  • Strong interpersonal and written communications skills with demonstrated attention to detail and ability to relate to individuals at varying levels internally and externally
  • History of success developing and managing relationships with major donors, prospects, or clients
  • Computer software skills, including Microsoft Office and knowledge of integrated client database systems is preferred
  • Professional in appearance, demeanor, and decision-making
  • Willingness to work evenings and weekends as necessary

Benefits

Trine University offers a comprehensive benefit package designed to provide a variety of choices to best fit your needs and the needs of your family. Benefits offered include:

  • Health – medical, dental, vision, prescription drugs, flex spending or HSA accounts
  • Retirement – after one year of full-time service you are eligible for employer contribution of 5% and up to an additional 5% employer match
  • Life Insurance – a variety of voluntary life options are available along with employee life insurance (1½ times annual salary)
  • Education – after 6 months of full-time service education benefits are available for employee, spouse, and dependent children
  • Vacation and Sick Pay – in accordance with Trine's policy

Salary

The salary is competitive and commensurate with experience and qualifications.

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Trine University is an equal opportunity employer.  Applicants are considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, disability, national origin, genetic information, citizenship status, military status, or any other basis prohibited by law, unless such basis constitutes a bona fide occupational qualification.  Trine will comply with its legal obligation to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and for religious beliefs.